27 suspected migrants found on lorry on M6 in Staffordshire

An investigation is underway after 27 suspected illegal immigrants were found in the back of a lorry on the M6 in Staffordshire last night.

Police stopped the HGV on the northbound carriageway between junctions 15 and 16 at around 5.45pm following concerns for people travelling in the back of a vehicle.

During the incident, a number of people fled from the lorry but all were detained. There were no serious injuries reported.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service were also in attendance and assisted with the unfolding events.

The driver of the vehicle, a 42-year-old man of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of facilitating the illegal entry of persons unknown to the UK. He remains in custody.

Immigration Enforcement who are now running the investigation.

Deputy Chief Constable Nick Baker, said: “We recognise the disruption this has caused to road users as there were lengthy delays and we’d like to thank the public for their patience and co-operation during this incident.

“We received information that there was real concern for people in distress and lives may have been at risk, therefore it was necessary for us to take immediate and appropriate action.

“The response to this incident has involved multiple forces, agencies and partners and I’d like to thank those organisations for their help and assistance.”